Above: The testers for shades #5.25, #5.5, #7 and #9 in indoor lighting.

Above: The testers for shades #5.25, #5.5, #7 and #9 in indoor lighting.

In addition to being able to swatch every shade offering in various lighting, I also picked up my very own perfect match in #5, a light beige suitable for N/NC25 skin tones. Since this is quite a new acquisition for me (I've had the compact for two days), I am not ready to provide a comprehensive review; however, my initial impressions are that this formula offers more coverage and longevity than the original Maestro formula while still maintaining a seamless, perfected, satiny, skin-like finish.

You are cordially invited to scroll on for a copious amount of swatches of all eight options as well as complete shade descriptions and a couple of images of the foundation on my face...

Above: Shade #5 in natural outdoor lighting.

Above: Swatches of all shades in indoor artificial lighting.

Above: Swatches of all shades in outdoor shade.

Above: Swatches of all shades in indoor lighting with a flash.

Above: A closeup of shades #2-#5.5 in natural daylight.

Above: A closeup of shades #5-#9 in natural daylight.

Above: Swatches of all shades in natural outdoor lighting.

Shade Descriptions (based on my personal experience):

**I noticed that the shades in the Maestro compact run slightly darker than the Maestro liquid...for reference, I am NC23-27, which puts me between shade #5.5 and #6.5 (I own both and sometimes mix them) all year and am a perfect #5 in this formula.

Above: Swatches of all shades indoors, with natural outdoor lighting through the door. This is the most true-to-life depiction of the shades in my opinion.

Above and below: Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup Compact in shade #5 alone on the face (buffed with a Beauty Blender). I added bronzer and blush but did not set this with powder! To be clear, these photos are completely un-retouched.

Bottom Line: I have been waiting diligently for the Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup Compact since the murmurings about its creation surfaced last year! This foundation formula does not disappoint! From the sleek and compact packaging to the gorgeous buildable coverage, I daresay I prefer this version over the original Maestro, whose coverage and lasting power were dubious on days when I needed both. At $64, this is a bit of an investment, but overall, I predict that most foundation enthusiasts will likely find that the supreme nature of the product justifies the cost. Although I apply it with a dampened Beauty Blender, the included brush is fantastic for in-the-moment touch ups. In the coming weeks (after more testing), I will prepare and post a comprehensive review on its ingredients, longevity in different weather situations and my final impressions. In the meanwhile, I wanted to post the swatches to give those of you ordering online the best chance possible of determining your color match. At this point, I believe that my wait for this formula was well worthwhile...highly recommended!

Thanks so much for the sweet compliments! I have realized that this foundation plays well with the camera and what girl doesn't want that?! Really happy to add it to my collection...hope you get it soon!

Thanks for the question...I haven't used this quite long enough to be able to delineate all of the subtle differences, but so far find that it seems to be a bit thinner in texture, with less skincare benefits. The coverage and finish, however, is similar!

NO still waiting for mine- I don't think it has even shipped yet! :*(My skin is getting so dry now. I hate how it changes so dramatically btw seasons-I'm hoping that SUQQU cream foundation will be my savior for the dry winter!

Your skin always looks great but I have to say this is the most perfect I've seen it yet. The color, the natural finish and perfected poreless effect make it hard to believe that the photos are unretouched. Is there any alcohol in the formula? I coveted the super natural effect but skipped the original Maestro due to alcohol being fairly high on the ingredient list.My dry mature skin doesn't tolerate even a smidgen of alcohol. The rest of the makeup is spot on as well. The low-key lip and cheek really bring your skin and eyes to the fore. Beautiful!

Thank you very much for the observations on my skin and makeup...so kind! I assure you, there was no retouching in these photos...just snapped them by a window with my iPhone 5, right before heading out to lunch yesterday! There is no alcohol listed in the ingredients on the box but there are 'cones, which are a hit or miss for most beauty lovers. They don't seem to irritate my sensitive skin whatsoever, thankfully. Hopefully this formula will work for you more than the original installment!

Dear BP,I am from Germany and LOVE your reviews about different foundations. I'm always looking for a better foundation, the last I've tried was the Armani Teint Maestro Fusion. I love this foundation, but it doesn't last that long as I have combination skin with very oily cheeks and large pores. As my skin tone is neutral to yellow I'm always looking at your reviews which color to buy or which foundation to try. Now I think I must try the Armani Maestro compact:) Anyway I would like to thank you so much for your great blog and reviews!!! xoxo Jasmin

Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I think you will find that the lasting power and coverage of the Maestro compact is superior to the liquid version...I hope you are able to get it in Germany soon!

Hi B.P just ordered the Maestro Foundation!! I was set to order the 5.25 but after to speaking with the beauty specialist, she suggested the 5. So I ordered both because the return policy is great and I can go to the nearby Nordstrom. They don't however have an Armani counter. Anyway, I'm excited to try it after seeing it on you. I will update you after I recieve it. Thanks for the great swatches. xoxo

I visited your blog this morning since I'm at home sick, thinking "hmm, maybe BP will have the Armani compact swatches already!" and ahh you made my day! =)

I've the liquid version of this and found it a little drying, multiple sources also mention that the liquid is better for combi-oily skins. A pity, as I love the texture of it! Would you say that the compact is better for normal- dry skin? I'm also NC 25 (+/- a little depending on the season), so #5 would be a good much? The #4.5 looks like it has pink undertones but I'm pretty sure the liquid #4.5 has more yellow undertones.

Sorry if I'm rambling, still recovering from the flu. Thanks for the wonderful swatches! I don't comment much but do check your blog everyday =)

So happy to be able to make your day ; ) Thanks for the good news! I find that the compact is a bit more hydrating (likely due to its cream formula) and if you are a perfect NC 25, then I highly suggest #5...I think you will find it works better than all other shades for your skin tone.

I hope you feel better soon and thank you for your consistent readership!

Great review! Your skin looks beautiful! How do the colors of the Giorgio Armani maestro compact compare with GA lasting silk foundation? I love it, but have found that while the undertone is perfect on Lasting Silk #4, it is a bit too light; 4.5 and 5 much too dark. What color to try in the maestro compact?

It looks superb on you! Thank you for the detailed pics, swatches and description. I've bookmarked your website and checked it almost compulsively the past few days, in anticipation of your review/first impressions :)...As usually, it didn't disappoint...

First of all thanks so much for the information and pictures on the Neiman Marcus event, I'm sure that this will be the start of many. I really enjoyed your interviews with the beauty experts as I find that it is always useful to hear their understanding and explanation of different products etc...

Wow, your skin looks looks absolutely flawless and smooth in these picture! The shade and texture are perfect on you, assisting you to achieve a put-together look really quickly. I tend to agree from the photos that this formula seems to have more coverage than the liquid version however would you say that the consistency would benefit those with drier skin? Have you tried the Nars Sheer Glow foundation as I would love to read your thoughts if you have.

My pleasure!! I am so glad you enjoyed my recap. Thanks for the sweet words about my skin...the light texture, respectable coverage and good shade match seemed to have worked wonders on my skin : ) I think that the consistency of this cream formula would be perfect for normal to dry skin and, with a bit of blotting powder, could even be a good formula for combination skin. I have tried the NARS Sheer glow and found that the lasting power (rather brief) and texture (got patchy and shiny over time) were just not for me.

Hi,Another fantastic thorough review with all colours swatched is so helpful. Your sin looks perfect in the photos. I have never used a cream foundation before but from looking at this I may just have to give it a try. How does it wear in the humidity and heat? As we are coming into summer here in Australia (it was 36 degrees here today) I wonder if it may just melt right off. Maybe perfect for winter? It appears so skin like in your pictures it is quite incredible, but in saying that your photos always look great. I think #5 looks aperfect match for my skin. Take care and have a lovely weekend Talk soonJulie

Why, thank you so much...I simply cannot help myself when it comes to foundations ; ) I was able to try this in extremely hot and humid Texas weather last week and it performed beautifully...quite long lasting for a cream formula. I think you would find #5 to be an excellent match!

My pleasure! I am guessing if you are a #3 in the Maestro, then you should find a match in either #2 or #4...both have similar neutral beige undertones, but if you are quite fair, then I suggest the #2. It will just be a matter of preference for you!

I just wanted to ask you, to make sure, would you say that # 5.5 in compact is darker than # 6.5 in Maestro liquid? It sure looks so from your swatches. I know you wear 6.5 in the liquid formulation and therefore are in the best position to compare the two. I decided to order both 5.0 and 5.25, see which one is a better match for me, but I want to make sure that leaving out 5.5 is a good idea (based on how dark it looks in your pics, both the indoors and outdoors ones). Many thanks again!

Yes, in my opinion (and I stress, opinion!), the 5.5 in the compact is equal to or slightly darker than the 6.5 in the original. I wear between a 5.5 and 6.5 in the liquid and would say that the 5 in the compact is closest to the 5.5 (my winter shade) in the liquid. If you are exactly a 6.5, then I think you will find 5 too light and 5.25 and 5.5 to be closer matches!

I can't wait to read your in-depth review!! This foundation looks invisible on you and your skin looks great! I have oily skin and for some reason liquid foundations never quite sit on my skin quite right.. yet cream foundations with powder on top last all day, so I'm excited to try this myself :)

Would you be able to provide a quick comparison between the GA maestro compact and the new NARS radiant creamy compact foundation? Appreciate your thoughts since I am contemplating purchasing one of the two. GA compact is not in Canada yet, but awaiting the release eagerly. Thanks once again for your extremely well-written in-depth reviews and eloquently presentations.

I prefer the GA compact formula much more than the NARS version. The GA has better, more skin-like coverage, excellent lasting power (I wore it in the heat today for 10 hours with very little need for touch ups) and a lovely glow that does't cross the line to "excessively radiant."

So glad to hear you are still liking this....I live overseas so will have to order it and need help with shade selection. I have been wearing the lasting silk foundation in 4, but it is definitely too light. How much darker would the maestro compact4 be than the lasting silk 4? From your swatches, I am thinking about either ordering the 4.5 or 4 in the compact. I have also worn the GA lasting silk powder foundation in 3, if that helps any. I def have some pink undertones, but also some yellow....being a fair redhead. Also, how does the maestro compact hold up in a hot, humid climate? Btw, your skin looks absolutely GORGEOUS with this makeup! Love your blog too! Thanks SO much for your help!

Thanks for your kind comment and question!! I am glad that you enjoy my blog!

Yes, I adore having this foundation in my rotation! I, too, think you would be either #4 or #4.5 in this formula if you are a #4 in the Lasting Silk. The #4 in this formula is about a half shade darker than the #4 in the LS formula. Since I don't know how "too light" the #4 in LS is for you, I am hesitant to say which is the best match...it will all come down to your preference!

I want to try this foundation! Your skin looks amazing in it. Is it heavier on the skin rather than the original liquid formula? Also if I told you that my current foundation shade is YSL Beige rose 20, what would you say my shade would be? Thank you I really like this blog!

Great review....im glad i found your blog. As I live in Angola i have to ask a friend who is travelling overseas to bring me the new compact. Im confused with the colours can you help me? i am a 7 in the liquid Maestro. Which colour should i buy in the compact? Many thanks for your help.

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